Workers stage demo demanding unpaid wages, disrupting traffic in Ctg

Workers of Golden Son Limited in Chattogram's Karnaphuli upazila staged a demonstration by blocking the road for several hours early today (4 May), demanding payment of two months' unpaid wages and provision of other labour-related rights.

The demonstration began around 6am in front of the factory located in the Khojanagar area of Charpatharghata Union, severely disrupting traffic in the area.

Golden Son Limited manufactures electronic items, including fans and toys.

As workers took to the streets, police arrived at the scene to manage the growing congestion and later managed to relocate the protesters to the factory gate.

Mohammad Ismail, one of the protesting workers, said, "We haven't been paid for March and April. Some workers haven't received their wages for even longer. How can we feed our families if we work the whole month and still don't get paid?"

The workers' demands include immediate payment of all outstanding wages, regular salary disbursement between the 1st and 10th of every month, salary increases for long-serving workers, and timely clearance of dues upon termination in line with government regulations.

Several protesters alleged that they have been working at the factory for years without any pay raises and that any attempt to discuss the issue is met with threats of dismissal.

They also claimed they are forced to work up to five hours of overtime daily without timely compensation.

Despite multiple attempts, Golden Son Limited's Human Resources Officer Mohammad Noman and Chief Executive Officer Aminul Islam could not be reached for comments.

Karnaphuli Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Sharif stated, "The workers have cleared the road after the owner agreed to meet their demands. The situation is now under control."